Art and Exceptionalism in Global Politics: The Role of Cinema in Representing Iranian National and Civilizational Exceptionalism

Abstract This article explores the intersection of art, politics, and civilizational discourse through the lens of Iranian cinema. It argues that cinema functions as a critical medium for articulating Iran’s national identity and exceptionalist claims within global politics. Drawing on theories of exceptionalism in international relations, the study situates Iranian cinema as both a cultural product and a political instrument that negotiates Iran’s civilizational narrative in dialogue with global audiences. Using qualitative discourse analysis and semiotic interpretation, the article examines selected films including A Separation, The Salesman, Children of Heaven, The Cow, and Persepolis to demonstrate how Iranian filmmakers construct narratives of moral universality, cultural resilience, and civilizational continuity. The findings suggest that Iranian cinema not only reflects domestic struggles and cultural heritage but also projects a distinctive form of exceptionalism that challenges Western-centric paradigms of global politics. By bridging film studies, international relations, and cultural diplomacy, this research contributes to a holistic understanding of how art mediates political identity and civilizational claims in the contemporary world.